Mattress construction



June 29, 1965 L. E. FREY MATTRESS CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 9, 1962 ATTORNEY June 29, 1965 L. E. FREY MATTRESS CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 9, 1962 FIG. l2

no A

INVENTOR. LOUIS E. FREY ATTORNEY constructions.

.plurality of resilient means.

3,191,197 Patented June 29, 1965 3,191,197 MATTRESS (IONSTRUCTION Louis E. Frey, 382 Fairway, Wichita, Kane. Filed Jan. 9, 1962, Ser. No. 165,132 6 Claims. (Cl. 243) This invention relates to a compressible article and more particularly to a mattress construction. In a still more specific aspect, the invention relates to a new and improved mattress construction wherein the various portions of the mattress are separately or individually compressible in response to the weight placed directly thereon. In another specific aspect the invention relates to a mattress construction which eliminates the hammock-like effect obtained with mattress constructions of the prior art. In another specific aspect, the invention relates to a new mattress construction and covering same. In another specific aspect the invention relates to a new mattress construction having means therewith to prevent deformation of the mattress at the edges thereof. Various types of mattress constructions are known to the prior art. Many of the prior art mattresses include resilient or compressible means either as a single resilient pad of foam material or a plurality of compressible coil spring members which are tied together so that in use compression of part of the pad or of the spring members causes compression or movement of the adjacent portions of the mattress. The prior art mattress constructions, whether of the single resilient pad or the coil spring types, are covered with a suitable ticking or cover fabric which encloses the entire outer surfaces of the mattress. The mattress cover fabric normally fits tightly about the mattress and, when a weight is placed on a portion of the mattress, the fabric compresses or displaces adjacent portions of the foam material or spring members. When an individual is reclining on the mattress the torso of the user depresses the mattress a relatively great amount and the head and feet portions thereof are depressed a relatively small amount, such resulting in a hammock-like effect and causing portions of the body to be unsupported or inadequately supported. Some innerspring mattresses of the prior art are provided with individual coil springs which are tied together or interconnected by suitable tie means. Such mattresses are then covered with a sisal pad and this in turn is covered with a cotton covering material and mattress cover fabric or ticking is placed thereon and attached thereto by suitable clamping means to shape the mattress. The flat surfaces of the mattress are then drawn down by spaced buttons or other suitable means. The sisal pad, cotton cover and mattress ticking of these mattress structures prevents individual flexing by the spring units and results in a hammock-like effect and improper support to many portions of the body. The hammock-like effect or result is particularly undesirable when two individuals are reclining on the same mattress and causes both individuals to move toward the center portion of the mattress.

In accordance with the present invention new mattress constructions are provided which overcome the disadvantages of the prior art structures and eliminates the hammock-like efiect resulting from the prior art mattress The mattress of the invention includes a Covering means are provided and individually cover at least an outer portion of each of the resilient means and are positioned thereon to permit the individual resilient means to be independently compressed.

In a preferred specific embodiment of the invention a mattress is provided which includes an elongated and preferably rectangular resilient member constructed of a foam material, such as foam rubber, plastic foams, etc. A plurality of deep and continuous spaced slots are formed in one surface of the resilient member and extend transversely and longitudinally thereacross in spaced relation to the edges of the resilient member to define a continuous outer ledge portion of constant width at the outer periphery of the resilient member and a plurality of individually compressible segments of the same size in the central portion thereof. Each of the slots are preferably enlarged at the inner edge portion thereof to undercut the inner peripheral edges of the ledge portion and each of the compressible segments. The ledge portion and each of the compressible segments are separately or individually covered. Preferably a plurality of bag-shaped cover members are provided and are constructed of a stretchable ticking fabric. Each of the cover members desirably has an elastic band or other suitable fastening means secured thereto at the opening thereof. Each of the compressible segments of the resilient member receives one of the bag-shaped cover members with the fastening means therein being positioned in the undercut portion thereof to secure the cover members thereon. Preferably the cover members are stretched slightly when positioned on the compressible segments. Another cover member of ticking fabric is provided and is of size and shape to enclose the other or bottom surface, the edges and the ledge portion of the resilient member and includes a fastening member which is preferably a rigid rectangular member and which is positioned in the undercut portion of the ledge portion to secure the cover in position. The resilient member can be provided with an elongated continuous metallic band which is centrally positioned in the ledge portion thereof and extends entirely therearound with the band limiting outward movement of the resilient member and preventing lateral deformation thereof.

In another preferred specific embodiment of the invention an elongated rectangular member is constructed of a foam material and is provided with a plurality of deep and continuous slots in one surface thereof which extend transversely and longitudinally thereacross in spaced re lation to the edges of the resilient member to define a continuous ledge portion of constant width at the outer periphery of the resilient member and a plurality of individually compressible segments of like size in the center portion thereof. A cover member of a stretchable ticking fabric is provided and each of the compressible segments, the ledge portion and the other or back face of the resilient member is covered by the fabric and the cover extends into each of the slots and is secured to the resilient member at the inner edge of the slots. Preferably the cover means is stretchable fabric and is forced or placed in the slots around all sides of the compressible segments and secured in position by adhesives or other suitable means.

In a still further preferred specific embodiment of the invention a rectangular resilient member is provided and includes slots forming a plurality of compressible segments and an outer ledge portion as previously described. In this preferred specific embodiment the segments are individually covered by bag-shaped cover members which are secured in position around the segments by being cemented or otherwise secured at the inner edge portions of the slots or along the inner edge portions of each of the compressible members. A separate cover member is positioned around the ledge portion and other surface of the resilient member.

In another preferred specific embodiment of the invenion an elongated rectangular base member of a resilient foam material is provided and covering fabric is positioned therearound and encloses the base member. A continuous border member is provided and has spaced end portions integrally formed with spaced side portions with the side portions being generally parallel to each other and with the end portions being generally parallel to each other, the border member preferably being formed n of a resilient foam material.

Covering fabric is secured ber is secured to one surface of the base member and is of size to form a ledge therearound at the outer periphery of the one surface of the base member. A plurality of separate and generally cube-shaped resilient pads are provided and have ticking material entirely enclosing same and the individual pads are arranged on the base member and positioned between the side portionsand the end portions of the ledge or border member to substantially fill' the space-therebetween and be in close fitting relation with each other and with the'border member. The pad members are secured to the top or one surface of the base member by adhesives or other suitable means and form with the border member a substantially continuous outer surface with each of the pads'and the border member being individually compressible in response to the weight placed thereon in use. 7

In a still further preferred specific embodiment of the invention, a bordermember is provided which hasspaced end portions integrally formed with spaced side portions, the side portions being substantially parallel to each other and the end portions being substantially parallel to each other and the border member is preferably constructed of a resilient foam material. Ticking fabric is secured to and encloses the bordermember. A rectangular shaped 'fabric base member is provided and is secured to the botincludes an elongatedouter continuous border member' having spaced side portions positioned in generally paral lel relation and spaced end portions positioned in general.- ly' parallel relation. spaced flat pad supports which are positioned in generally parallel planes and a plurality of coil springs whichare positioned between and secured to the innersurfaces of the pad supports with the springs in the side portions and end portions being positioned in close proximity and longi- Two elongated tudinally aligned in they border member. pads of resilient material are provided and each of the pad supports has one of the pads positioned thereon or! the outer surface thereof. A plurality of individually The pads are positioned between the side compressible members, the fabric preferably being stretched around the padsand inwardly from both sides of the mattress to the center portion thereof and stitched entirely around the periphery of the border member and each of the compressible members. Where the compressible members each have a plurality of coil springs the compressible members'and the border members are preferably separately coveredand attached in assembled relation by tie wires. These constructions result in reversible v innerspring mattresses I with the border members and each of thecompressible members being individually compressiblein response to a load or weight placed thereon in use without effecting or causing movement of adjacent ones thereof.

Accordingly, it is an object of the'invention to provide a new compressible article.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new mattress construction.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new mattress construction which eliminates the hammok-like effect of prior art constructions.

- A' further object of the invention is to provide a mattress covered in a new and novel manner. I

Another object of the, invention is to provide a new mattress constr uction 'wherein a plurality of individually compressible or resilient members are provided which are independently movable in response to the load. or Weight placed thereon in use without disturbing or moving adjacent ones thereof. Q

Another object of the'inve'ntion is to provide a new mattress construction whichprovides adequate and proper support for all portions of the body of the user.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new mat- The border member includes two I compressible members are provided and each of the compressible members has two rectangular pad support members positioned'in spaced and generally parallel planes and spring means are positioned between each of the lastnamed pad supports and secured thereto on the inner surface thereof. In one preferred specific embodiment a single coil spring is positioned between the pad supports a and in another preferred specific embodiment a' plurality 'of'coil springs are positioned between the pad supports: Pads of resilient material are provided and each of the pad supports of the compressible members has one of the The compressible members are positioned in close proximity'to each other and to the border member and located between the side portions and the end'portions'of the border member. The compressible member's substantially fill the spacewithin the border member'with the outer is positioned between and separately 'covers each of the pads positioned thereon on the outer surface thereof.

pressible members which are separately covered with the mattress being constructed so that movement of one compressible member does not cause movement of the adjacent ones thereof in use. p a r l A further object of the invention is to provide a new innerspring mattress construction wherein the major portion of the mattress comprises coilsprings supporting compressible pads with the coil'springs and compressible pads beingcovered to provide separate compressible portions-which are'individually movable in response to the load placed thereon.

Another object of the invention is to provide anew and improved mattress construction which includes a base or pad having a ledge. member or border member secured thereto on'one face thereof and a plurality of individually compressible resilient pads secured to the same surface thereof with thepads being positioned between portions of the border member. 7

A still further object of the invention is to provide means with a mattress or the like to limit deformation at the edges thereof.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the following desc'riptiontaken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which: I

FIG. lis a .perspective view illustrating a mattress constructed in accordance with preferred specific embodiments of the invention. i i

FIG. 2' is an enlarged isometric view, partially in cross section, illustrating the construction of a preferred specific embodiment of'the mattress ofthe invention. j FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial cross section view showing one of the resilient members or compressible segments of the mattress of FIG. 2 showing the manner ofholding the cover in position thereon.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross section view showing another preferred specific mattress construction and means for covering'same. I a

FIG. 5 is a partial crosssectionview' showing other cover means in position on a portion of a mattress.

' portions.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial isometric view, partially in cross section, illustrating the construction of another preferred specific embodiment of the mattress of the invention.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial cross section view taken along the line 77 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a partial isometric view, partially in cross section, showing another preferred specific embodiment of the mattress of the invention.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view, partially in cross section, illustrating another preferred covering means for the compressible members of the mattress of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a view, partially in cross section, illustrating a preferred specific embodiment of a reversible innerspring mattress of the invention.

, FIG. 11 is a view illustrating another preferred specific embodiment of a reversible innerspring mattress of the invention. FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a complete mattress constructed in accordance with FIG. 11 of the drawings.

The following is a discussion and description of preferred specific embodiments of the new mattress of the invention, such being made with reference to the drawings whereon the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/or structure. It is to be understood that such discussion and description is not to unduly limit the scope of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, FIG. 1 illustrates a mattress which is shown generally at and which represents a finished mattress made in accordance with preferred specific embodiments of the invention. The mattress 2% includes an outer ledge or border portion 22 having generally parallel end portions 21 and 23 and side portions 25 and 27. A plurality of individually acting compressible segments 24 are positioned between and substantially fill the space between the portions of the border or ledge portion 22. The resilient or compressible segments 24 and border portion 22 are covered so as to be separately compressible. The mattress 20 can be of a single or double size and can be of shapes other than that illustrated in the drawings, if desired.

In the preferred specific embodiment of the mattress construction as illustrated generally at 28 in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings, a resilient member 30 is provided and is preferably elongated and rectangular in shape such as the mattress illustrated in'FIG. l of the drawings. The member 30 is formed of a compressible material, preferably a resilient foam material such as foam rubber or plastic foams, including polyurethane foam materials. The resilient member 30 has a plurality of deep and continuous spaced slots 32 formed therein in one surface thereof and the slots 32 extend transversely and longitudinally across the resilient members in spaced relation to the edges thereof to define a continuous ledge or border portion 34 at the outer periphery thereof of substantially constant width and a plurality of individually compressible segments 36 of substantially like size in the central portions thereof. The ledge or border portion includes end portions and side portions 37 joined at their end The slots 32 are relatively deep and the relatively thin portion 38 of the resilient member 30 beneath the slots forms a base portion or means by which the individual segments 36 and the ledge portion 34 are held in assembled relation relativeto each other. Each of the slots 32. are preferably widened or enlarged at the inner edge portion thereof as shown at 40 to undercut the inner peripheral edges of the ledge portion 34 and each of the compressible segments 36.

Cover means are provided for the compressible segments 36 and the ledge portion 34 of the resilient member 30. Preferably, a plurality of separate cover members 42 are provided and are constructed of a suitable ticking fabric, such preferably being stretchable. The cover members 42 are generally bag-shaped and have an opening into which suitable fastening or retaining means 34 are secured by sewing or other suitable means. The fastening means 44 can be an elastic band, a metallic ring, or other suitable means. Each of the compressible segments 36 receive one of the bag-shaped cover members 42 with the fastening means 44 positioned in the undercut portion 46 of the slot. The cover 42 is preferably stretched when in position so as to present a smooth outer surface and eliminate creases or the like that might otherwise be formed therein.

Another cover member 46 of ticking material is provided and is of size and shape to enclose the lower surface of the resilient member 30, the edges thereof and the ledge or border portion 34 with the edges of the cover member 46 being positioned in the undercut portion of the ledges 34. A fastening member 48, which is preferably rigid, is sewn into or otherwise secured to the edge portion of the cover 46 and is positioned in the undercut portion of the ledge portion 34 of the resilient member 34 to secure the cover 46 in the desired position and hold same in place during use. The cover member 46 can also be constructed of a stretchable or elastic type fabric or can be pulled down tightly to slightly compress the ledge portion 34 of member 30 during installation thereof, such resulting in a smooth and tight fitting cover on the ledge portion and bottom of the mattress.

A complete mattress which is constructed in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 will appear as in FIG. 1 of the drawings with the individual segments shown at 36 in FIGS. 2 and 3 being the same as those shown at 24 in FIG. 1 and with the ledge portion 34 of FIGS. 2 and 3 being the same as that shown at 22 in FIG. 1. The outer surface of the cover members 42 and the cover member 46 are substantially coplanar to present a smooth and substantially uninterrupted surface across the top of the mattress.

Rigid means, such as an elongated and continuous metallic band 5b, is desirably provided and substantially centrally located in the ledge portion 34 of the resilient member 30 as illustrated in FIG. 2 and the member 50 preferably extends entirely around the ledge portion. The metallic band or member 50 limits lateral deformation of the ledge portion 34 and of the entire mattress so that the edge portions of the mattress will be retained relatively flat and smooth.

In use, the compressible segments 36 of the mattress are individually movable in response to a weight placed thereon as a result of the construction and separate covering of same. Each of the segments 36 can be depressed without compressing or moving adjacent segments. When a person is reclining on a mattress, the relatively great weight of the torso will cause greater depression of the segments 35 than will the relatively light weight of the legs, arms and head of the individual. As a result of the mattress construction of the invention all portions of the body are firmly and properly supported and the hammock-like effect commonly obtained with prior art mattress structure is eliminated.

The preferred specific embodiments of the invention as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawings are similar in construction to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 except for the manner of applying the cover. The mattress of FIG. 4 includes a resilient member 60 having a base or connecting portion 62 at the lower portion thereof and a plurality of slots or the like 64 arranged in the manner previously described in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3 to provide a ledge portion 66 and a plurality of compressible segments 68. In this embodiment, the slots 64 extend perpendicular to the surfaces of the resilient member 60 and the undercut portion of the slots has been eliminated. Cover means are provided and such preferably is a stretchable ticking fabric 7d and is positioned in the slots 64 and covers the segments 68, border 66 and bottom of the mattress as illustrated in FIG. 4. The

fabric or ticking covering material 70 is secured to the inner edge portion of the slot 64 by adhesives, cements or the like. If desired, clamps 'or suitable fastening means can be passed through the base or connecting .por-I tion 62 of the member 60to hold the cover-in position. If desired, a forming and sealing platen can be provided to form the covering material and force it into the slots 64 and the platen can be used to activate a heat or pres,- sure activated adhesive to secure the cover member to the resilient member '60. The appearance of the mattress constructed in the manner of FIG. 4 is the same as illustrated in FIG. 1. By positioning the cover fabric around each of the segments and the border, the border and the segments 68 of the mattress are individually compressible in response to the weight placed thereon in the manner previously described in connection with FIGS. Zjand 3.

FIG. 5. of the drawings illustrates another preferred specific manner of covering the portions of a mattress. In this embodiment, a resilient member is shown at 72 and has a base or connecting portion 74 on the bottom edge portion thereof and a plurality of slots 75 which form a plurality of individually compressible segments 76 and a ledge portion 78. The compressible segments and ledge portions of FIG. 5 are located in the manner shown in FIG. 1. bags or'cover members 80 are provided and are-positioned around each of the compressible segments 76- and extend into the slots 7'5 with the inner edge of the covermembers 80 being at the inner portions of the slots 75. The cover members '80 can be secured to the compressible segments in any suitable manner, such as by adhesives or the like.

A separate fabric cover member 82 covers the ledge portion 78 and the bottom of the resilient member 72.

The cover 82 can be secured in position by the use ofad-v hesives or, the like in the slots. The compressible segments 7-6 and border portion '80 are independently compressible in use.

In this embodiment, separate fabric.

result in an outer appearance similar to thatshown in FIG. 1. Each ofthe pads are separately securedlto'the.

top surface of the base'member 92 and such is preferably accomplished by the use of a suitable adhesive in the manner illustrated, in FIG. 7'for-the border member 96. The pads are positioned in relativelyfcl-ose fitting relation relative to each other and to the ledge portion 96 and form therewith a substantially continuous and flatouter surface. In use, the border member 98 and each of the pads 106 are individually compressible in response to the weight placed thereon in the manner previously described in connection with the other embodiments of the invention- FIG. 8 v of the drawings illustrates another preferred specific embodiment of the invention which is similar in construction to .thatshown -and described in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7. In this embodiment; the mattress is shown generally at 120 and includes an outer ledge or border member 122 which is shaped and positioned in the manner shown at 22 in FIG. 1.. The ledge or border member 122 is 'coveredwithfa suitable material 124,

such preferably being a stretchable ticking fabric and the fabric entirely encloses the member 122. A continuous metallic band 126 is provided and is positioned within and desirably centrally located in the ledge portion 122 to limit lateral'def-ormation of same in use. The ledge orborder portion 122 is'attached to a rectangular piece of backing fabric 128- which is of size toextendibetween and be secured to the side and end portions of the member 12 2'. Preferably the fabric 128 is relat'ively heavy material.- i

A plurality of pads or biscuits 130 are provided and suehrare preferably in the shape'of a parallelepiped or generallycube-shaped. The pads or biscuits 130 are preferably formed of a resilient material such as a plastic foam or foam rubber and are separately covered by a Another preferred specific embodiment of the mattress V of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings; Inthis instance, the mattress is shown generally at 90 and includes an elongated and preferably rectangular shaped base member 92 which is preferably 'constructed of a resilient foam material 'of the typesdev scribed ,herein'before. Suitable ticking fabric 94 surrounds and entirely encloses thebase member 92.

A continuous border member 96 is preferably provided and constructed of a resilient foam material similar to that of the base 92. The border member 96 includes side portions 98 and end portions 100positioned in generally parallel and spaced relation in the manner illustrated for positioned within and extends entirely around border member 96 to limit lateral deformation of same in use.

A plurality of resilient pads or biscuits 106 "are provided and such are, in the shapeof a parallelepiped or generally cube-shaped .as best illustrated in FIG. 6; The pads or biscuits 106 are separately formed members and can be relatively long. or' wide'in comparison to their depth thereof or they can be shaped so that all'six faces a are of equal size, if desired. Suitable covers 108 of' ticking fabricor the like are'provided and separately enclose each of the pads 106. The cover members'108 arepreferably made. of an elastic or stretchable fabric and can be secured on the pads 106 in stretched condition' to maintain the fabrictight atall times.

The covered pads 106 are arranged on the base member 92 and positione'dnin close proximity between the side portions 98 and end portions 100 of the border .mem-

'ber 96to substantially cover the space therebetween and structed In accordance with the invention. The mattress stretchable ticking fabric, -1-32 and each of the covered pads or biscuits 130. is cementedor otherwise secured to the fabric base 128, The pads 1-30 are positioned between "the side and end portions of the ledge or border member 122 and are positioned in close proximity relative toeach other and to the ledge'or border member to provide a substantially continuous surface at the top of the mattress. The fabric base 128 holds the pads or biscuits 130 and the border; member 122 in assembled relation. The pads orsegments 130 of the mattress are individually. compressiblein the mannerpointed out here- :inbefore in regard to the other embodiments of the invention. .f

. The previous embodiments of the. invention described have been in connection with a foam rubber or plastic foam mattress material which .has'been shaped and covered in accordance with the invention. If desired, any of the elements of the. mattress constructions previously described can be covered with a suitable flock material.

Such is, illustrated in FIG.- 9 Where the pad or ledge portion 133 of a mattress constructed of a' foam type material is covered with flock covering material 135.

Flock 135 can be secured to the foam material 133 in any suitable manner, such as by' blowing the flock onto an adhesive covered resilient member 133 and this can 'easily be accomplished along the side or edges of the a member 133. whether such is an individual compressible element or the outer border or ledge portion of a mattress :as described merely by vending or deflecting member 133 durmgthe securing of the adhesive'and flock there-on.

' .Therel'atively inexpensive flock-material can be effectivelyused with any foam-type mattress constructions.

FIG. 10. of the drawings illustrates a preferred specific embodiment of .a reversible innerspring mattress conof FIG. 10 is shown generally at and includes a contmuous border. member 142 which has side portions'144 and end portions 146 which form an outer border or ledge in the manner illustrated at 22 in FIG. 1. The

border member 142 preferably includes two spaced and flat pad supports 148 and 150 which are positioned in generally parallel planes. A plurality of coil springs 152 are positioned between the inner surfaces of the pad sup ports 148 and 150 and are secured thereto in any suitable manner by fastening means, such as by the staples 154. The springs 152 can be of any suitable construction or configuration, such as that shown in the drawings wherein the center portion is relatively small in diameter in comparison to the end portions of the springs. The springs can be substantially the same diameter throughout the length, or other suitable configurations can be used. The springs 152 are positioned in close proximity and are longitudinally aligned relative to each other and extend entirely around the border member 142. Only the lower portion of the two rear springs in border 142 :are shown, however it will be understood that they are secured in their end portions to supports 143 and 159 as shown for the forward one of the springs.

The pad supports 14S and 159 have pads or strips 156 and 158 of resilient material secured thereto and preferably the pads 156 and 158 extend entirely around the border mern er 142. The pads 15d and 153 are positioned on the outer surfaces of the pad supports 148 and 150, respectively, as shown and can be held in position by the cover means or secured to the pad supports by adhesives or other suitable means.

A plurality of individually compressible members 160 are provided and each of the members 160 has two pad supports 162 and 164 which are preferably rectangular in shape and are positioned in generally parallel planes. A single coil spring 166 is provided with each of the compressible members 165i :and is secured in its end portions to the pad supports 162 and 164 by suitable fastening means, such as staples, nails or the like as shown at 168. The spring members 166 can be of any suitable configuration or construction.

Two rectangular pads 17d and 172 of a resilient foam material are provided and the pads 17?; and 172 are preferably of approximately the same length and width as the pad supports 162 and 164. The pads 174) and 172 are positioned on supports 162 and 164, respectively and can be secured thereto on the outer surfaces thereof by suitable means, such as adhesives or the like.

The compressible members 160 are positioned in relatively close proximity to each other and the border member 142 .and located between the side portions and end portions of the border member 142. The compressible members 160 are of size so that the outer surfaces of the border member 142 and the compressible members 160 are substantially coplanar.

A cover member 174 is provided and is desirably constructed of a stretchable fabric. The cover member 174 encloses the border member 142, and each of the individually compressible segments 160. The fabric 174 is positioned around the border member 142 and extends inwardly from both the outer surfaces thereof where portions of the fabric from both sides of the mattress meet in the center and are stitched at their meeting point entirely around the inner periphery of the border member 142. Similarly the fabric 174 is drawn down and stretched around the four sides of each of the segments 162 until the fabric from both sides of the mattress is in contact and the fabric is then stitched entirely around each of the segments 16% at the center portion thereof. A completed mattress constructed in accordance with FIG. 10 will resemble the mattress of FIG. 1 in appearance.

The innerspring mattress of FIG. 1b is a reversible type mattress and in use the border member 142 and each of the compressible members hi are individually movable in response to the weight or load placed thereon and can be compressed Without displacing or moving the adjacent ones of the compressible members and thereby give full and complete support to every portion of the body of the user.

In FIGS. ll and 12 of the drawings, another preferred specific embodiment of a reversible innerspring mattress is shown generally at and includes a border member 182 which has side and end portions positioned in spaced relation as previously described in connection with the other embodiments of the invention. The border member 182 is similar in construction to the border member 142 of FIG. 10 and includes spaced and generally parallel pad supports 18 and 1536 which have coil springs 1138 secured thereto on the inner surface thereof by staples or the like 189. The pad supports 134- and 136 have elongated pads and 192 secured thereto and extend around the border member 182. The pads 1% and 192 are preferably made of a resilient or compressible foam material. The boder member 182 in this embodiment is separately covered by a ticking fabric 194 which is preferably stretchable and is tightly fitted about the pads 1% and 1% and along the sides of the member as shown. A center wire tie 193 is preferably provided and positioned in the border member and is fastened to the center portion of each of the springs 13$ therein by clamps or suitable fastening members 195.

A plurality of independently compressible members 2% are provided and are relatively long in comparison to their width. Each of the compressible members see includes spaced pad supports 2G2 and 264 which are elongated and which are positioned in generally parallel planes. Resilient pads 2% and 233 are positioned on and can be secured to the outer surfaces of the pad supports 2G2 and 294-, respectively. Coil springs 203 are provided and are secured to the inner surfaces of the pad supports 2% and 294 by suitable fastening means 2&5. In. this embodiment, each of the members 2% has a plurality of the coil springs positioned between and secured to the pad supports and such are longitudinally aligned and positioned in relatively close fitting relation. A tie Wire 207 is preferably provided and is positioned at the center portion of the springs and is secured to the springs by tic members 299.

Each of the units 290 is separately enclosed with a. covering material 21%, which is preferably a stretchable fabric, and the material 210 entirely surrounds the units and is preferably stitched at the center portions of the sides of the unit as shown. If desired the border 182 and the compressible members 2% can be covered with a unitary fabric cover as described in connection with FIG.

Means are provided to join or connect the compressible members 2% to the border member 182. Preferably, a plurality of tie wires 212 are provided and extend through each of the compressible members 2% and into the border member 132. Clamps or fastening members 214 can be provided and secured to the longitudinally extending tie wires 2&7. The end portions of the wire 212 are secured to the tie wire 193 in the border member 182.

The compressible members 2% can be positioned longitudinally or transversely across the mattress relati' eiy to the border member 182 and they can extend the entire length of the mattress or be relatively short segments secured together endwise. FIG. 12 shows the compressible members 2% positioned longitudinally in the mattress. Longitudinal placement of the members 2% is particularly desirable in double bed size mattresses and depression on one side portion of the mattress will not cause movement or depression of the other side portion. Transverse positioning of the members 2% will be particularly desirable for single bed size mattress. The compressible members 2th) are positioned in close proximity to each other and to the border member 132 and by virtue of the preferred construction illustrated in FIG. 11, the bor -cr member 182 and the compressible member 208 are independently movable or compressible in use in direct response to the weight placed thereon and will not cause the entire mattress to be displaced.

In each of the preferred specific embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings and described hereinbefore, the mattress has been divided into a plurality-of independently compressible segments or portions positioned in close proximity and as a result of these preferred constructions, the hammock-like effect of prior art devices has been eliminated. In addition, with double bed constructions each person on the bed will rest more comfortably since the weight of one person will not cause displace ment or movement of the entire mattress. The mattress constructions of the invention can be used with any suit-. able foundation or spring means.

While the invention has been described in connection with preferred specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that this description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims.

I claim: I p

1. A mattress comprising, in combination, a resilient member constructed of a foam material, a plurality of deep slots in one surface of said resilient member defining a ledge portion at the outer periphery of said. resilient member and a plurality of individually compressible block a shaped segments positioned in close proximity and arranged in longitudinally extending columns and transversely extending rows in the central portion thereof, the outer surfaces of said compressible segments being sub stantially coplanar, cover means with said ledge portion and each of said compressible segments to entirely and) separately enclose same, said cover means being the outer surface of said mattress, said mattress being constructed and adapted so that said ledge portion and said compressible segments are individually movable in response to a load placed thereon in use.

2. A mattress comprising, in combination, an elongated rectangular base member constructed of a resilient foam material, a first cover member of ticking fabric surrounding and enclosing said base member, a continuous border member having spaced end portions intergrally formed with spaced side portions and constructed of a resilient foam material, a second covermember of ticking fabric surrounding and enclosing said border member, said border'member being secured to one surface of said base member and of size to form a ledge therearound at the outer peripherythe'reof, a plurality of resilient'p'ads, covering material entirely and separately enclosing each of said pads, said pads being arranged'on said base member and positioned between said side portions and said l2 7 cover members'and said coveringmaterial forming the outer surface of saidmattress. v

3. A mattress comprising, in combination,a base member having: a relatively fiat upper surface, a border member of resilient material positioned on the upper surface of said base member, a'cover means enclosing said border' member, a plurality of resilient pads positionedon said upper surface of said base member in close proximity and arranged in rows and columns, cover means separately enclosing each of said resilient pads, thetop surface of said border. member and said resilient; pads lying substantially in the same plane, each of said pads being individually compressible in response to'a weight placed thereon in use with said cover means on said border member and said cover means on said resilient pads forming the outer surface of said mattress. I

4. A mattress comprising, in combination, an elongated rectangular base member constructedof resilient foam material, a first cover member surrounding an enclosing said base member, a border member having spaced end portions and spaced side portions constructed of resilient foam material, a second cover member surrounding and enclosing said border member, said border member secured to one surface of said base member and of a size to form a ledge therearound at the outer periphery thereof, a plurality of resilient pads, coveringmaterial separately enclosing each or said pads, said pads arranged and secured on said base member and positioned between said side portions and said end portions ofsaid border member to substantially fillthe space'between the end and side portions of said border member with each of said pads being secured to said one surface of said base member, said pads being positioned in close fitting relation relative to each other and said border member and forming with said border member a substantially continuous surface with said border member and each of said pads being'individually compressible to a weight placed thereon in use, said cover members and said covering material forming the outer surface of said mattress.

5. The structure of claim 1 whereina rigid element is embedded in said ledge portion. of said mattress to limit lateral deformation of said ledge member.

6. The mattress structure of claim 4, wherein a rigid reinforcing means is positioned within said border member to restrict movement of same upon compression thereof.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 1,371,362 3/21 Giese 5248 X 1,457,203 5/23 Wick -1. 5-459 X 2,504,352 4/50 Robell -4. 5 -351 2,817,858 1 2/57 Zacks' 5-354 2,861,682 11/58 Hatcher 5-359 X 2,921,403 1/60 Cunnington 5-455 2,980,167 4/61 Harris et a1. Q. 5--361 X 7 FOREIGN PATENTS, 500,136 12/19 France.

FRANK B. SHERRY, PrimalyExaminer; 

1. A MATTRESS COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, A RESILIENT MEMBER CONSTRUCTED OF A FOAM MATERIAL, A PLURALITY OF DEEP SLOTS IN ONE SURFACE OF SAID RESILIENT MEMBER DEFINING A LEDGE PORTION AT THE OUTER PERIPHERY OF SAID RESILIENT MEMBER AND A PLURALITY OF INDIVIDUALLY COMPRESSIBLE BLOCK SHAPED SEGMENTS POSITIONED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY AND ARRANGED IN LINGITUDINALLY EXTENDING COLUMNS AND TRANSVERSELY EXTENDING ROWS IN THE CENTRAL PORTION THEREOF, THE OUTER SURFACES OF SAID COMPRESSIBLE SEGMENTS BEING SUBSTANTIALLY COPLANAR, COVER MEANS WITH SAID LEDGE PORTION AND EACH OF SAID COMPRESSIBLE SEGMENTS TO ENTIRELY AND SEPARATELY ENCLOSE SAME, SAID COVER MEANS BEING THE OUTER SURFACE OF SAID MATTRESS, SAID MATTRESS BEING CONSTRUCTED AND ADAPTED SO THAT SAID LEDGE PORTION AND SAID COMPRESSIBLE SEGMENTS ARE INDIVIDUALLY MOVABLE IN RESPONSE TO A LOAD PLACED THEREON IN USE. 